Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah:

2 CHRONICLES 34:24KJV
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2 Chronicles 34:24 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 34:24 mean?

2 Chronicles 34:24 records God’s message that He will bring disaster on Jerusalem and its people, fulfilling all the curses written in the book that had just been read to the king of Judah. This is a direct warning that the consequences described in the law will now come true because of the people’s unfaithfulness.

The verse takes place after the Book of the Law was found during temple repairs under King Josiah. Through a prophet, God announces that everything written about judgment in the law will happen to Judah. The curses refer to the punishments listed in the law of Moses for breaking the covenant, which Josiah and his officials had just heard read aloud.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 34:24

  • "bring" (יָבִיא, yavi): This word means to cause something to come or to bring about. Here, it emphasizes that God Himself is actively making these events happen, not just allowing them.
  • "evil" (רָעָה, ra‘ah): This word often means disaster or calamity, not moral evil. It clarifies that God is sending trouble or judgment, not acting wickedly.
  • "curses" (אָלָה, ’alah): This refers to sworn punishments or oaths of judgment. The use of this word points directly to the covenant curses listed in the law, such as those in Deuteronomy 28.
  • "book" (סֵפֶר, sefer): This is the scroll or written document, here meaning the law of Moses. The verse ties the coming disaster specifically to what was written in this book, showing the seriousness of ignoring God’s written word.

Why 2 Chronicles 34:24 matters

  • This verse makes clear that God’s warnings in the law are not empty threats; what was written centuries earlier still stands and will be carried out.
  • The mention of the curses being "read before the king" highlights the seriousness of hearing God’s word and the responsibility of leaders to respond.
  • It connects the historical moment of Josiah’s reforms to the larger story of Israel’s covenant with God, showing that rediscovering the law brought both hope and a sobering realization of judgment.

Where else these words appear

“curses” Hebrew H423 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 24:41 Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath.
  • Deuteronomy 29:21 And the LORD shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law:
  • Jeremiah 23:10 For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right.